Firing on Fort Sumter:  'The Opening Ball"

Firing on Fort Sumter: "The Opening Ball"

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Event Site

Spartanburg's Confederate memorial greets you as you turn into the American Legion grounds. Look for the small sign to the entrance on the right, one-half mile from the traffic signal on Union Street. You will be opposite the second of two baseball fields, on your left. Salute the memorial as you bear to your right, proceeding to the back of the building to park in its grassy back yard. When you leave the Ball, please exit to the left to the circular drive. The historic American Legion building, constructed in 1934, is made of handsome granite block, has soaring ceilings, and wood floors, making it an attractive site for traditional music and period dancing. There is a ladies changing area, so that you will not have to drive to the Ball in your hoops and gown.

 

The Confederate memorial has three inscriptions:

LET THIS MONUMENT TEACH OUR CHILDREN AND OUR CHILDRENS' CHILDREN TO HONOR THE MEMORY AND THE HEROIC DEEDS OF THE SOUTHERN SOLDIER, WHO FOUGHT FOR RIGHTS GUARANTEED HIM UNDER THE CONSTITUTION.  FOUR YEARS OUR ARMIES CONTENDED AGAINST GREAT ODDS, ENDURING INCREDIBLE HARDSHIPS, AND CEASING TO STRUGGLE ONLY WHEN THE SOUTH WAS EXHAUSTED AND COULD NO LONGER FURNISH RECRUITS OR SUPPLIES.

OF THE PAST, MINDFUL;

TO THE PRESENT, FAITHFUL;

FOR THE FUTURE, HOPEFUL.

MOTTO OF SPARTAN CHAPTER

                    U.D.C.

HOW GRAND A FAME THIS MARBLE WATCHES O'ER THEIR WARS BEHIND THEM; GOD'S GREAT PEACE BEFORE.

                                                            FORT SUMTER TO APPOMATTOX

                                                                          1861 ----------- 1865